Darlington council and the area's NHS primary care trust have signed up to a new scheme to tackle the problem.

The organisations have pledged to increase awareness among staff, offer support to victims of violence, and take action against perpetrators.

Every month between 160 and 180 incidents of domestic violence come to light in Darlington.

Bill Dixon, deputy leader of Darlington Borough Council and non-executive director of Darlington Primary Care Trust, said: "For too long too many people have failed to consider domestic violence a crime.

"It was simply what a man did when he came back from the pub drunk.

'Suffer in silence'

"But we wouldn't tolerate it if it happened on High Row so why should we tolerate it just because it happens at home?

"The answer is we shouldn't and we won't. Victims no longer need to suffer in silence."

Darlington Domestic Violence Forum co-ordinator Joy Easterby said initiatives introduced recently were having an impact.

"An advice circle has been introduced at McNay Street SureStart giving victims access to legal and non-legal advice.

"This has managed to reduce the amount of repeat domestic violence.